Tane Mahuta Walk
Tane Mahuta Walk
Waipoua Forest
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
Maps
Photos
Information
Tane Mahuta, God of the Forest, is estimated to be 2,000 years old. He is 51.5 metres high, has a girth of 13.8 metres. He rises nearly 10 metres before there is any tapering in his trunk. He is the largest, best-known and most publicised kauri.
This is a spiritual place - According to Maori mythology Tane is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku the earth mother. Tane was the child that tore his parent’s parental embrace and once done set about clothing his mother in the forest we have here today. All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tane’s children.
Timing
It can get busy so if you prefer a quieter experience then time your walk for early or late in the day. Hanging out with Tane Mahuta at dawn or dusk is gold!
Access
Tane Mahuta is comprehensively signposted on S.H.12, 11km north of the Waipoua Visitor Centre. There are toilets, picnic tables and roadside parking nearby.
Track
The track is wide, metalled, even and suitable for wheelchairs, although one fallen tree at an angle over the track may need negotiation.
Boardwalks are constructed to protect the shallow fragile root systems of the tree.
Flora
The largest ever recorded kauri had a girth nearly twice as large.
The dying tips of his branches show he is in the autumn of his years and probably hollowing on the inside. His sheltered location should allow for continued wonder for generations yet.
Over 15% of the recorded species in the Waipoua Forest live as an empire of epiphytes in the clefts between his upper branches. Moisture collects in these hollows and a moss begins to form. This creates an embryonic soil for a seed, either blown by the wind or dropped by a bird, to germinate. The leaf litter accumulates and develops humus, sustaining the plant. In this way a hanging garden evolves in the tree.
Polynesian History
In Maori mythology, Tane was the son of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanaku (Earth Mother). With his almighty strength, he separated their embrace, creating light, air and space – the elements for life to flourish. Tane is thus seen as the life giver and all living creatures are his progeny.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Hokianga |
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Contact
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 74.
Backpack On Fire
Ranking: 10/10
Amazing to see the largest kauri tree. Short walk from the road. Be sure to clean your shoes properly at the station on the way in and out of the walk to help stop the spread of kauri die back disease. Toilets across the toad as well as awesome fresh fruit ice cream. Worth the stop along the way.
Stefano Clerici
Ranking: 10/10
Really amazing, it's worth while a stop, just 5 min walking from the road. A monster tree that I'll always remember.
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Simon Hall
Ranking: 8/10
A must see! The Kauri trees are huge and has a great sense of spirituality.
Mario Schaeffer
Ranking: 9/10
Very nice walk to see the Kauri trees.
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Erna Muller
Ranking: 8/10
Nice walk with a lot of information about the surroundings and the tree.
Kristina Nunoz
Ranking: 8/10
A short walk to see the biggest living Kauris in the country. It is a nice, easy flat walk.
Lucile
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful walks and loops under the tree of Waipoua Forest with stunning stops in front of the biggest Kauri. Quiet atmosphere and respectful people. Information and signage are helpful - congratulations!!
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Wendy Steer
Ranking: 9/10
A lovely walk on well maintained paths to see the largest living Kauri tree. Excellent.
Sylvie Smets
Ranking: 8/10
A short walk takes you to the biggest Kauri tree in New Zealand which is very impressive, unlike anything I have ever seen.
Hannes
Ranking: 7/10
Oldest known Kauri tree, 5 minute walk, very impressive.
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Luala F
Ranking: 8/10
A great walk under the cooling shadows of the Kauri trees. Great conditions and clean facilities.
Birthe
Ranking: 8/10
Really impressive Kauri tree. It is an easy walk over a wooden board path. You can see the biggest Kauri tree of New Zealand!
Tom Theuer
Ranking: 10/10
Huge tree with a diameter of a few metres. Awesome rainforest feeling.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
